"Young da Vinci stood in such awe of hismaster's skill that at first he respectfullydeclined. But his teacher would accept noexcuse. He simply said, 'Do your best'.Trembling, da Vinci took his brush and began.With each stroke, his hand grew more steadyas the genius within him awoke. Soon he wasso caught up in his work that he forgot histimidity. When the painting was finishedthe frail and weak master was carried intothe studio to see it. Embracing his studenthe exclaimed, 'My son, I paint no more!"2

Not everyone has the kind of talent and geniusthat Leonardo da Vinci had, but every one ofus has God-given talents that he wants us todevelop and use for his glory. He never expectsfrom us what he hasn't gifted us to do. Andhe has already equipped us to do what he wantsus to do. So use what talents you possess. Doyour best and leave the rest to God.As Henry van Dyke said, "The woods would be verysilent if no birds sang there except thosethat sang best."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you forthe talents you have given to me. Please helpme to see what they are, develop them fullyand use them to the best of my ability for yourglory. Thank you for hearing and answering myprayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."